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Stowe council adopts ordinance to allow garden fences after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing with neighborhood residents supporting garden enclosures, Stowe City Council adopted Ordinance 24-225 amending Chapter 1143 (fences) to permit garden fences; council and staff said existing code enforcement tools will address maintenance concerns.
Stowe City Council on Jan. 9 adopted Ordinance 24-225, changing the city zoning code to allow garden fences. The measure, which amends Chapter 1143 and specifically section 1143.07(E), passed by unanimous roll-call vote after a public hearing and two prior readings.
Supporters who spoke during the public hearing told the council garden fences are a modest and constructive use of residential property. “It’s one of the most beautiful properties in our neighborhood,” said Terry Lawrence, a resident of 3855 Kent Road, describing the neighborhood mix of chain‑link and wooden fences and urging passage. Matthew Chevalier, 3759 Kent Road, said the change would help residents grow food and “empower their community,” and said his front‑versus‑backyard sunlight differences supported flexibility.
The ordinance’s proponents on the dais described it as a clarification to allow garden fences while leaving other fence regulations intact. Councilmember Coffey raised enforcement and aesthetics concerns, asking whether maintenance standards were sufficiently objective and how the city would handle fences that fall into disrepair. Planning staff and the city law director said existing code‑enforcement mechanisms would apply: notices of violation for fences found to be in disrepair and requirements to repair or remove structures.
City planning staff also explained that the change does not affect state regulation of cannabis home grows: the law director said state rules require home grows to be screened and locked and that local regulation is limited on that subject.
The measure had its first reading Nov. 7 and second reading Dec. 5. During council’s Jan. 9 meeting the ordinance was adopted by unanimous roll call (yes: Herman, Coffey, Baranek, McIntyre, Riehl, Fioka). The ordinance takes effect according to its terms.
Council and staff said the amendment creates a limited, regulated allowance for garden fences while relying on existing enforcement for poorly maintained structures. The city said it will apply the same notice‑and‑repair process used for other fence code violations.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 24-225 — Adopted (unanimous roll call).
